The Execution of Noa P. Singleton

From Amazon: 
    Noa P. Singleton never spoke a word in her own defense throughout a brief trial that ended with a jury finding her guilty of first-degree murder. Ten years later, having accepted her fate, she sits on death row in a maximum-security penitentiary, just six months away from her execution date. 
Seemingly out of the blue, she is visited by Marlene Dixon, a high-powered Philadelphia attorney who is also the mother of the woman Noa was imprisoned for killing. Marlene tells Noa that she has changed her mind about the death penalty and Noa’s sentence, and will do everything in her considerable power to convince the governor to commute the sentence to life in prison, in return for the one thing Noa is unwilling to trade: her story.
      Marlene desperately wants Noa to reveal the events that led to her daughter’s death – events that Noa has never shared with a soul. With death looming, Marlene believes that Noa may finally give her the answers she needs, though Noa is far from convinced that Marlene deserves the salvation she alone can deliver. Inextricably linked by murder but with very different goals, Noa and Marlene wrestle with the sentences life itself can impose while they confront the best and worst of what makes us human in this haunting tale of love, anguish, and deception.

The story was good and kept me involved until the end, but the descriptive writing style is the reason I gave this 5 stars. I found myself rereading paragraphs just to admire the mental image that Silver could create. The story is intense and compelling. One can believe that it actually happened even though it is a fiction. 

Blogging for Books

I recently stumbled upon Blogging for Books because of another blog friend. I am already in love. Books and reading are my passion. I don't have a favorite genre, and tend to spend way too much money on my Amazon account because I'm always downloading new books to my kindle. Blogging for books is great in the fact that all they ask is a book review in exchange for a free book. You can download the book directly to your Kindle (or other reading device) or they will send it to you in the mail. I chose Mother, Mother. 

From Goodreads: 
Josephine Hurst has her family under control. With two beautiful daughters, a brilliantly intelligent son, a tech-guru of a husband and a historical landmark home, her life is picture perfect. She has everything she wants; all she has to do is keep it that way. But living in this matriarch’s determinedly cheerful, yet subtly controlling domain hasn’t been easy for her family, and when her oldest daughter, Rose, runs off with a mysterious boyfriend, Josephine tightens her grip, gradually turning her flawless home into a darker sort of prison. Resentful of her sister’s newfound freedom, Violet turns to eastern philosophy, hallucinogenic drugs, and extreme fasting, eventually landing herself in the psych ward. Meanwhile, her brother Will shrinks further into a world of self-doubt. Recently diagnosed with Aspergers and epilepsy, he’s separated from the other kids around town and is homeschooled to ensure his safety. Their father, Douglas, finds resolve in the bottom of the bottle—an addict craving his own chance to escape. Josephine struggles to maintain the family’s impeccable façade, but when a violent incident leads to a visit from child protective services, the truth about the Hursts might finally be revealed

I haven't read too many psychologically thrillers, but I really should more often. Mother, Mother is a book that's impossible not to enjoy; with an unconventional perspective on what it means to be a doting mother, it at once left me greatly disturbed and deeply satisfied, which is an emotive pairing I never expected myself to feel. Talk about a family with major issues and secrets. This book is not for the faint hearted. Mother, Mother is is brilliantly twisted and engrossing. 

Five on Friday!

 Join me in linking up with Christina, Natasha, Darci and April for Five on Friday! Here are five of my favorite things I am thankful for this week!

ONE.My Momma

I dont know where I'd be without her. Without her calming me down, telling me everything is going to be ok, even on the days when she tells me I'm being a dumbass. Her cards, her texts, her facebook posts. We are so much alike its scary, and were never close until I moved out of the house and had children of my own, but I am so thankful for the friendship we have gained since then. And what an amazing grandma she is too!

Two. My BFF, My life partner, Ami.

My Best friend in the whole world. She knows the good, the bad and the ugly. She's seen me at my highest and held me on the floor when I'm bawling my eyes out, at my lowest. She always knows by the tone of my voice when I need her or when something is wrong and she can tell me when I'm being completely absurd without me getting pissed. (Ok, maybe I get pissed but only because I know she's right.) She's the one I want to share my news with, the one who doesn't count when you tell me "Don't tell anyone". The one who keeps me calm and makes me laugh and the one who I know no matter what life throws my way, will never leave my side. 
 

Three. Lexus Marie

People say becoming a mother will change you. I never knew how true those words were until this little beauty came into my world. She makes me laugh, some days really pushes my nerves with her attitude but has the biggest heart of gold. She's a mini me of my mom, a true Grandpas girl and when she wants to be- my best snuggler. She's outspoken and such a fashionista. She is stubborn (ok she may get that from me!), strong willed and knows what she wants and goes after it. She is the best friend anyone could ask for and that shows by the amounts of texting and facetiming going on on her ipod all the time.

 Four. Brooklyn Mercedes

 

My redheaded mini me. Life wouldn't be complete without her in it. She's my sweet, sassy, little fireball. She's content laying at home in our pjs snuggling on the couch watching movies. She is an open book- you can read every emotion in her eyes. She has the biggest heart and cares more for everyone else than herself. I dont know where I'd be the last 6 months if it wasn't for hearing her say "momma I love you. Don't be sad." 

 

 Five.The AvettBrothers Magie & The Dandelion Album 

Best. Album. Ever. 

Go out and buy it now. 

Seth & Scott Avett literally seem to be tapped into my brain and know how to put it down on paper much better than I.  Its literally on repeat when doing things around the house, getting ready in the morning, in my headphones at work and the drive to and from.

I couldn't have said it better myself

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday! 

I love the poofy hair, the tights, the carpet and wallpaper. 

There is SOO much wrong about this picture, but yet I would give anything to be this age again. 

No worries, 

no stress, 

no wondering how to come up with money to pay bills or 

where the hell did I go wrong in life? 

Just being grandpas girl, 

ALWAYS by his side, 

most the time on his lap 

and loving my cousins like they were sisters. 

 

(Jaime & Angie (on grandmas lap), Alicia, Grandpa and the cute little girl in the blue dress is me!)

I really am excited for the holidays. Where all of us are back at grandma and grandpas spending the stress filled, anxiety ridden day together. Our family continues to grow since we've all had babies or brought other children into the family. Its cramped and chaotic and its absolutely my favorite time of the year. Maybe I can convince the other 3 girls to have a slumber party at grandma and grandpas like good old times?!

SO WHAT! Wednesday

Today I'm linking up with Shannon for SO WHAT! Wednesday! 

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if....

• I'm dreading the upcoming cold temps & possible snow. I know its the end of November and it should be expected, but it could stay mid 60s like it has been all winter and I'd be happy.
• My #1 Christmas wish list item is a vacuum and I'm surprisingly alright with that- even though I think vacuuming is the worst chore ever.
• I haven't begun Christmas shopping, haven't made a Christmas list for the kids, haven't decorated or even attempted to drag out the decorations and I am dreading the whole Christmas thing period.
• I took away the cats food so he can kill the mouse in our house. Even though it led to him eating a whole loaf of bread and said mouse is still running loose.
• I cant cook unless its in a crockpot. 
• I haven't watched SOA from last night. Apparently I missed a really good episode (everyone and their mom was texting me about it) and plan on watching it immediately once I get home. Its already downloaded. Not having live TV puts a damper on things. 
• We haven't taken pictures for Christmas cards/gifts and I don't think its going to happen this year.

These are a few of my favorite things

I LOVE the idea of linking up with Jen and Elise for "These are a few of my favorite things". I never make a Christmas list for myself. When people ask what I want its always gift cards because that's just easiest! But here you go Santa!

One:

Biddeford Heated Microplush and Shurpa Blanket from Target

Two:

 

Canon EF-S 18-200mm Standard Zoom Lense

Three: 

Damask Square Toss Pillows from Target

Four:

Personalized Sterling Initial Ring

Five:

Breaking Bad Complete Series DVD Collection